What's the Best Substitute for Catalina Dressing?
Whether you're out of Catalina Dressing or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Sweet and tangy French-style dressing with a bright orange color, commonly used for salads and as a marinade In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for Catalina dressing are French dressing, homemade Catalina, or a mixture of ketchup, vinegar, and sugar.
Best Substitutes for Catalina Dressing
French Dressing
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- salads
- marinades
- vegetables
- pasta salads
- grilling
Description
Similar sweet and tangy dressing with tomato base. Provides comparable flavor profile and bright color.
Very similar to Catalina dressing but may have slightly different sweetness level. Adjust sugar to taste.
Homemade Catalina Dressing
Ratio
1:1 (1/2 cup ketchup + 1/4 cup vinegar + 1/4 cup sugar + 1/2 cup oil + 1 tsp paprika + 1 tsp onion powder)
Best For
- salads
- marinades
- vegetables
- pasta salads
- grilling
Description
Fresh alternative using ketchup, vinegar, and sugar with oil. Provides authentic flavor with customizable ingredients.
Adjust sweetness and tanginess to taste. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Ketchup + Vinegar + Sugar + Oil
Ratio
1:1 (1/2 cup ketchup + 1/4 cup vinegar + 1/4 cup sugar + 1/2 cup oil)
Best For
- salads
- marinades
- vegetables
- pasta salads
- grilling
Description
Simple alternative using basic ingredients. Provides similar sweet and tangy flavor with bright color.
Thicker than traditional Catalina. Add water or more oil to thin if needed.
Russian Dressing
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- salads
- burgers
- sandwiches
- dipping
- vegetables
Description
Creamy dressing with similar sweet and tangy profile. Provides rich, savory flavor with mayonnaise base.
More creamy and less tangy than Catalina. May need to adjust sweetness and acidity.
BBQ Sauce + Vinegar
Ratio
1:1 (1/2 cup BBQ sauce + 1/4 cup vinegar + 1/4 cup oil)
Best For
- salads
- marinades
- grilling
- roasting
- vegetables
Description
Smoky alternative using BBQ sauce as a base. Provides similar sweetness with smoky undertones.
More smoky and less tangy than Catalina. May need to add sugar for sweetness.
Italian Dressing + Ketchup
Ratio
1:1 (1/2 cup Italian dressing + 1/4 cup ketchup + 1 tsp sugar)
Best For
- salads
- marinades
- vegetables
- pasta salads
- grilling
Description
Herbal alternative using Italian dressing as a base with ketchup for sweetness and color.
More herbal than traditional Catalina. May need to adjust herbs and spices.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Catalina Dressing, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Let homemade Catalina dressing sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before using
Store homemade Catalina dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Use Catalina dressing as a marinade for chicken, pork, and vegetables
Add Catalina dressing to coleslaw for extra sweetness and tang
Mix Catalina dressing with hot sauce for a spicy dipping sauce
Use Catalina dressing as a base for other sweet and tangy dressings
Whisk Catalina dressing well before serving to ensure smooth consistency
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications